The administration of President Donald Trump clashed with the Associated Press (AP) about photo rights, sparked by an image captured in Butler, Pennsylvania. This photograph, taken after an assassination attempt on Trump, became a point of contention, as reported by The New York Times.
The relationship between Trump’s White House and the AP soured after his reelection in 2024. Consequently, the AP faced bans from both the Oval Office and Air Force One. These bans followed the AP’s decision to continue using ‘Gulf of Mexico’ instead of adopting Trump’s preferred ‘Gulf of America’ in 2025. This dispute has now escalated into a First Amendment court battle.
According to insiders, another reason for the AP ban related to the agency’s refusal to relinquish rights to the image taken by Evan Vucci. This image of Trump, post-assassination attempt, played a role in the ongoing tension. This claim emerged from private discussions with Trump and media personnel in 2025.
A spokesman for the AP commented that they remain committed to upholding the public and press’s right to free speech without government interference.
The White House did not address these allegations directly when approached by Fox News Digital.
The assassination attempt occurred on July 13, 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump narrowly escaped serious injury when gunfire grazed his ear. This incident transpired as he spoke on immigration statistics concerning the Biden administration.
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was responsible for this attack. He positioned himself on a nearby rooftop. Secret Service agents quickly secured Trump, who emerged from their protection with his fist raised, repeating the word ‘fight.’ The crowd responded with chants of ‘U-S-A!’
In the ensuing chaos, firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed, and two other attendees sustained injuries. A Secret Service sniper ultimately neutralized Crooks.
Vucci’s photo of Trump, fist raised with visible blood, rapidly gained international attention. Vucci later reflected on the significance of capturing this historical moment and the professional pressure he felt.
Vucci, an AP photographer, meticulously documented the scene. He switched to a wide-angle lens, capturing the flag above the stage and the chaos as Secret Service agents protected Trump. His strategic positioning gave him access to moments, including the viral photo of Trump leaving the stage.
Brian Flood of Fox News contributed additional reporting. Hanna Panreck is an associate editor with Fox News.
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